Mathematical Induction 4+11+14+21+....+(5n+(-1)^n

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The discussion focuses on proving the formula for the sum of the series 4 + 11 + 14 + 21 + ... + (5n + (-1)^n) using mathematical induction. The user successfully verifies the base case for n=1 and establishes the induction hypothesis. They outline the steps taken to prove the formula for k+1, including algebraic manipulations to incorporate the new term. The proof concludes by demonstrating that the derived expression for P_{n+1} aligns with the expected format, thus completing the induction process. The user seeks assistance with the algebraic steps but ultimately arrives at a valid proof.
Yankel
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Dear all

I am trying to prove by induction the following:

View attachment 8712

I checked it for n=1, it is valid. Then I assume it is correct for some k, and wish to prove it for k+1, got stuck with the algebra. Can you kindly assist ?

Thank you.
 

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I would state the induction hypothesis \(P_n\):

$$\sum_{k=1}^{n}\left(5k+(-1)^k\right)=\frac{1}{2}\left(5n(n+1)+(-1)^n-1\right)$$

As the induction step, I would add $$5(n+1)+(-1)^{n+1}$$ to both sides:

$$\sum_{k=1}^{n}\left(5k+(-1)^k\right)+5(n+1)+(-1)^{n+1}=\frac{1}{2}\left(5n(n+1)+(-1)^n-1\right)+5(n+1)+(-1)^{n+1}$$

Incorporate the new term:

$$\sum_{k=1}^{n+1}\left(5k+(-1)^k\right)=\frac{1}{2}\left(5n(n+1)+(-1)^n-1+2\cdot5(n+1)+2\cdot(-1)^{n+1}\right)$$

$$\sum_{k=1}^{n+1}\left(5k+(-1)^k\right)=\frac{1}{2}\left(5(n+1)(n+2)+(-1)^n(1+2(-1))-1\right)$$

$$\sum_{k=1}^{n+1}\left(5k+(-1)^k\right)=\frac{1}{2}\left(5(n+1)((n+1)+1)+(-1)^{n+1}-1\right)$$

We have derived \(P_{n+1}\) from \(P_n\) thereby completing the proof by induction.
 
Here is a little puzzle from the book 100 Geometric Games by Pierre Berloquin. The side of a small square is one meter long and the side of a larger square one and a half meters long. One vertex of the large square is at the center of the small square. The side of the large square cuts two sides of the small square into one- third parts and two-thirds parts. What is the area where the squares overlap?

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